You can’t make this stuff up

Got that? The R’s just took over the General Assembly with a supposed messianic zeal to slash spending and one of their most prominent members admits that he can’t even find cuts to satisfy the outstanding requests of the Democratic governor that pre-date the election!

This is not necessarily a knock on Steve Troxler, but it does show with crystal clarity the hard truth that reducing public services is a heckuva lot harder in reality than it is when you’re merely mouthing right-wing talking points in a campaign.

Jeff

Err, it’s a known issue that one of the obstacles to streamlined government in this state is the high number of elected state officials. That higher cost is the cost of spreading out the responsibility of government. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. However, this is an inefficiency of the Executive branch. Of course, Troxler can’t pinch an inch. But the simple fact is, there’s a 6% gap in revenue versus spending. How does he propose to make it up, besides saying he can’t do it. What was he elected to do, if not make tough decisions. Anyone can throw up their hands!

Let the budget games begin!

Alex O.

November 12, 2010 at 8:36 am

That is just great when the Universities keep having to cut. The Departments are not given a choice why should Troxler get a choice. But then again look at what his predecessors did. At least get rid of the commissioner’s job.

Joe Ciulla

November 12, 2010 at 3:14 pm

I don’t think Troxler gets a choice (even if he thinks he does). If he doesn’t comply, Governor Perdue should fire him.

I’d rather see the Agriculture department take a 25% cut before they touch education funding.

Rob Schofield

November 12, 2010 at 5:30 pm

Well, first of all, Troxler is elected so the Guv can’t fire him.

But your pro-education sentiment is welcome. Only problem is, you could eliminate the entire Ag Dept. and it wouldn’t make up for the expected funding cuts to education in Wake County alone.